The alumni of the Geology and Mining Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the department through donations and strategic initiatives.
During a visit to the university on Monday, January 13, 2025, the alumni delegation donated 20 compasses to the department and unveiled plans to bridge skill gaps among students.
While receiving the delegation, the head of the geology and mining department, NSUK,Dr. Aisha Kana expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasising its significance. “This donation is invaluable to us and these items will go a long way in serving the department. We are grateful to the alumni of the Geology and Mining Department, NSUK,” the HoD stated.
She highlighted the role of alumni associations in shaping institutions and fostering influence, citing the example of her own alumni network. “The alumni is a strong ally of the schools from which they graduated, and they can be very influential. I belong to the alumni of Leeds University, and the Prime Minister of the UK is one of us. When we discover that one of us is in a significant office, we make requests. That is how impactful an alumni association can be.”
The Vice-Chancellor of NSUK,Professor Sa’adatu Liman also commended the alumni’s efforts, describing the gesture as a testament to their enduring relationship with the university. “We are really grateful for these items and hope that the department puts them to great use.
“We are also working on policies to support the growth of alumni associations. We hope you all can join others when the time comes to initiate programmes that will advance the university.”
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, the secretary-general of the alumni caretaker committee and leader of the delegation, Jerry Danwazam expressed appreciation to the university management for its role in shaping their destinies. “We appreciate the management for the knowledge imparted into us, which has enabled us to compete effectively with our contemporaries within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
Danwazam disclosed ongoing efforts to register the alumni association with the Corporate Affairs Commission and plans to organise an Alumni Day on May 9–10, 2025. The event aims to celebrate collective achievements and foster stronger bonds between the alumni, the department and the university community.
Additionally, the alumni association identified a critical gap in software skills among undergraduate students in the department. To address this, the association intends to establish a Geospatial Lab equipped with modern systems and licensed software to better prepare students for the labor market.
The delegation included key members of the alumni caretaker committee, such as the secretary-general, financial secretary, treasurer and representatives of various graduated sets from the department.
The visit underscored the alumni’s commitment to supporting the department and fostering a lasting relationship with the university, ensuring that current and future students benefit from their contributions.
By Kanayo Jubal Onukogu
